Director of Operations

Director of Operations - Tom Aikens' Restaurant Group

• Location: Hybrid, based remotely and at Muse, 38 Groom Place, SW1X 7BA
• Hours: Predominantly Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm
• Salary: £50,000-£60,000 per annum, based on experience
• Supervisory Scope: All of Tom Aikens’ restaurants and activities, both in the UK and abroad

Join the Vision of a Leading British Chef

Tom Aikens, celebrated for his artistic culinary approach and commitment to sustainability, invites an experienced and forward-thinking Director of Operations to help drive his restaurant group to new heights. Tom’s dedication to quality, teamwork, and memorable, experience-led dining is central to his vision, and you’ll play a pivotal role in bringing these values to life across operations.

ROLE OVERVIEW

As Director of Operations, you’ll oversee all of Tom Aikens’ concerns in the UK and abroad, implementing efficient systems, processes, and best practices. You’ll establish, monitor, and fine-tune each operational aspect of the business, ensuring seamless efficiency and top-tier quality that aligns with Tom Aikens’ standards.

This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to business growth through new ventures, collaborations, and brand expansions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operational Excellence: Develop/fine tune and implement efficient systems to uphold high standards in service, food quality, hygiene, and safety across all locations.

• Financial Leadership: Existing activities: create and/or manage budgets, monitor financial performance, and ensure profitability through effective cost control and resource allocation // New Initiatives: build business plans and financial models to ensure viability of new projects being considered.

• Team Development and Training: Lead, mentor, and inspire teams at all levels, ensuring a culture of collaboration, growth, and high performance.

• Customer-Centric Service: Set and maintain exceptional service standards, regularly adapting those to enhance the dining experience, based on guest feedback.

• Health, Safety, and Compliance: Oversee compliance with health, safety, and food regulations, conducting regular audits to ensure a safe environment for staff and guests.

• Property Development and Maintenance: Coordinate with site managers to maintain and enhance each venue, managing relationships with landlords and ensuring property upkeep meets brand standards.

• Strategic Growth and Business Development: Partner with senior leadership to identify new ventures, plan openings, and execute growth strategies in line with brand objectives.

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• Experienced in High-Quality Restaurants: At least 2 years in an Operations or General Manager role within busy, upscale restaurants, ideally with multi-sites.

• Financially Savvy: Proven expertise in financial modelling, budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting, with a strong track record in driving sales growth while managing costs.

• People-Oriented Leader: A hands-on leader skilled in recruitment, training, and performance management, with a focus on building and motivating collaborative teams.

• Customer-Centric Mindset: Committed to creating memorable guest experiences through consistent service excellence and proactive engagement with guest feedback.

• Operationally Competent: Proficient in restaurant management software such as Tissl and SevenRooms, and knowledgeable in health and safety and compliance regulations.

• Strategic Visionary and Problem Solver: Skilled at identifying new opportunities and adept at communicating and executing strategic initiatives to drive business growth.

• Passionate About Culinary Excellence and Hospitality: Knowledgeable in food, wine, and dining trends, with certifications like WSET Level 2 and Level 3 Food Hygiene preferred.

• Ability to multi-task and work independently and efficiently: given breadth of activities, the candidate needs to stay on top of what needs to get done, have ability to conduct multiple tasks in one go, get those addressed efficiently and meet expected deadlines.

If you’re ready to lead within an esteemed culinary brand where exceptional dining and meaningful career experiences await, apply now to be a part of Tom Aikens’ team.

A full Job Description can be provided prior to interview stage.

In the meantime, please apply with an up-to-date CV displaying your experience and fit for the role.

Please note the application process is being handled by Key Appointments. You will therefore receive correspondence and updates regarding your application from them.